Driver charged with DWI goes from hospital to jail

Jacob Press, 21, faces a long prison sentence if convicted of felony death by vehicle, serious injury, DWI, and reckless driving. His bond is set at $126,000.

He is charged with driving drunk and killing 67-year-old Rex Todd and seriously injuring Todd's wife, Mary. Both victims are former Garner town leaders.

Press was released from the hospital after six days, still recovering from abdominal surgery.

His attorney says his family is concerned about the family and friends of Rex and Mary Todd, who is still hospitalized.

Their church group and friends have kept the family constantly in their prayers. The crash happened Saturday afternoon. Raleigh police say Press was driving drunk. The Todds were driving in the opposite direction when Press' pickup truck got by the median cables and hit them head on, according to police. Rex Todd was a former economic development manager for Garner. His wife was the former town manager.

Press was a former baseball player for Wake Tech. His attorney, Trey Fitzhugh, said he is filled with grief and regret.

"I can assure you their approach has not been inwardly focused," Fitzhugh said.

Investigators have returned to the Beltline to reconstruct the crash. On Monday, Press will begin his court journey when he faces a district court judge.